Predictions: Social Media Growth in 2023
We’re twelve days into a new year, and maybe sharing these tips nearly two weeks in is late to the game, but the good news is we have 50 more weeks to go. So, here are a few predictions that we have for social media content and growth in 2023.
1. Prioritize Long-Form Content
Short-form content is not going anywhere; neither are trends. Still, I foresee a shift from short, sweet, effortlessly entertaining content to more of a long-form style that we can listen to in the same way we consume other forms of entertainment, like podcasts. Anything in the realm of get ready with me (GRWM), story times, and how to make for an easy place to start. I also think this will lead to more creators taking to YouTube over platforms like Instagram, which only gives you 90 seconds in a Reel.
This year we’re focusing on shared learning, educating our followers, storytelling, building trust, and being relatable. This brings us to our next point.
2. Prioritize Connection With Your Followers, Not Entertaining Them
People crave human connection. Position yourself as a friend, and let your followers get to know you in your simplest, most authentic human form. Share your hot takes and your controversial opinions. Think of the videos you sometimes make for yourself, the ones you don’t post because they don’t feel “perfect” or they don’t follow a trend. Sometimes those are the ones that will resonate with your followers the most. If you’re doing a daily task and have an idea, advice, words of wisdom, a funny story, or some perspective pop into your mind, pull out your phone and make the video right there. Whether you’re making a cup of coffee, watering your plants, doing your makeup for the day, or just got home from running errands, and you’re in your driveway, just film it. With this in mind, I think we’re going to see a lot of video content that feels like you’re Facetiming with a friend.
3. Say Seeya to The Niche™️
Remember how every marketer said to pick a niche and stick to it for consistent growth? Stop that. Right now. You are your niche, and your followers want to see everything that makes you who you are. Create for the sake of creating, and don’t let imposter syndrome fool you into thinking you’re not interesting enough or you’re having a bad hair day, so you can’t film yourself. Think about the things you talk about, the things you would write a whole PowerPoint presentation on, the types of content you engage with because it’s interesting to you, and the things you feel passionate about. Keeping up with trends can be exhausting, and in 2023 we’re trying not to be stressed out. Be yourself and let people get to know you.
On TikTok specifically, you can make these different topics into a playlist and let your followers fall down the rabbit hole like they’re binge-watching something on Netflix.
4. Film Content on Your Phone’s Camera, Not in an App
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram get super heartbroken and jealous when they see metadata embedded in a video file filmed in an app that doesn’t belong to them. When you film video content on Instagram and post it to TikTok or vice versa, they will see that metadata and watermark, and the algorithm won’t prioritize your content. Film on your phone, preferably with the back camera for better quality, and then post away to whatever platform your heart desires.
5. Strategize Hashtags + SEO
This isn’t groundbreaking on the strategy front, but a little magic within these strategies keeps them evergreen year after year. Utilize keywords in your captions to boost your SEO. It’s not a new concept, but it always requires reiterating. Regarding hashtags, one of the biggest strategies for 2023 is using the 3x3 Strategy. Here’s how it works:
Three hashtags to explain what you’re doing or talking about.
Three hashtags that touch on relatable pain points for your audience.
Three hashtags that identify who your audience is.
Anything else you’d add to the mix? Let me know! Above all, create content that fills your soul up and makes you happy. Because we definitely need more of that in 2023.
Did reading this make you feel overwhelmed? It’s all good. That’s why we’re here! We LOVE doing all of the above. Want a consultation on how to implement these for your own business? Or maybe you’d prefer to hire out and not have to worry about it at all?
